Cambodia's Opposition seeks the Role of Indonesia and ASEAN

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cambodia's opposition party hoped that Indonesia would play its role in the ASEAN region through guiding regional countries in improving its democracy.

Former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Chairman Sam Rainsy asserted that Indonesia is one of the world’s largest countries that are experienced enough in implementing the democratic system. Furthermore, Sam Rainsy even requested for Indonesia be present in the Cambodian election on July 29, 2018.

During his visit at Tempo headquarters in Palmerah in Jakarta yesterday, Rainsy said that the opposition could not place their hopes on ASEAN alone to mediate the internal dispute in Cambodia. However, he hopes that Cambodia’s opposition could rely on ASEAN’s connectivity in assisting fellow member countries.

"If you respect human rights, if you promote good governance, which is the opposite of corruption. If ASEAN can be based on these values we can move towards a new friendly ASEAN, a powerful ASEAN to reinforce democracy and peace in the region," said Sam Rainsy during the interview with Tempo.

During the past two years, Cambodia has been shrouded by political tension after Prime Minister Hun Sen dissolved the country’s main opposition party. The tension has escalated heading towards the election set to be held on July 29, 2018. Rainsy said that Hun Sen could not accept things that are against his views.

Furthermore, according to Rainsy, the Cambodian government is currently heavily depending on China after the country was sanctioned by the European Union (EU) and the United States. Unfortunately, according to him, China has used Cambodia's situation to entice Cambodia into blocking ASEAN from issuing a united vote on the South China Sea dispute.

The countries that are involved in the international dispute with China include ASEAN countries such as Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, and the Philippines. 

TEMPO.CO